As part of our First Aid FAQ video series, Nigel Davis is back with expert advice on one of the most frightening scenarios for any parent or carer: a choking baby.
In this video, Nigel walks through the step-by-step actions you should take if you believe an infant is choking.
Spotting the Signs
The first thing to do is assess the baby’s face and chest. A choking baby may have:
-
A distressed look
-
No crying or sound
-
Little or no chest movement
-
Blue or grey tinge to the skin (in more severe cases)
If they are silent but clearly struggling, they may be experiencing a complete airway obstruction.
Positioning and back blows
Nigel shows how to:
-
Support the baby’s head and jaw securely
-
Position them face down along your forearm, with their head lower than their body
-
Deliver up to 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades using the heel of your hand
After each back blow, check if the obstruction has cleared.
Chest thrusts
If the back blows don’t work:
-
Turn the baby onto their back, still keeping the head supported and angled downward
-
Use two fingers to give up to 5 chest thrusts in the centre of the chest, just below the nipple line
-
Again, check after each thrust to see if the airway is clear
When to call 999
If the object doesn’t come out after a cycle of back blows and chest thrusts, call 999 immediately and continue alternating between the two techniques until help arrives.
These techniques can feel intimidating at first, but having a clear process and practising in training can make all the difference in a real emergency.
▶️ Watch the video to see Nigel demonstrate the correct technique and gain confidence in how to act if a baby is choking.
This video is part of our ongoing First Aid FAQ series, where we answer common questions that come up in real-life situations. We’re passionate about helping people feel confident and capable when it comes to dealing with emergencies, because a little knowledge can make a life-saving difference.
If you’d like to build your skills further, take a look at our paediatric first aid courses or get in touch to find the right course for you or your team.
